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TOPIC 9 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 
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9.2
ACTIVITY 9.1
Observe a young child playing outside. What is he or she doing? Talk to four or five-year-old children who are playing in the playground. Ask them what they like about the playground. Relate their needs and interests in relation to the outdoor environment.
Based on this information, plan an outdoor space for young children that is appropriate for their needs and interests.
PLANNING OUTDOOR AREAS
The design of the outdoor physical space for young children has a primary role in facilitating the development of children and maintenance of relationships throughout education and care. Just like the indoor physical environment, planning outdoor spaces for children should be done carefully. Physical aspects of outdoor environment for children should facilitate learning, development and provide meaningful experiences. The outdoor physical environment should be more than a space where children can exercise their body muscles. It is possible to provide or create challenges and a wide range of experiences for them. The outdoor physical environment should provide opportunities for young children to enhance their social, emotional and cognitive skills through exploration and appreciation of nature. A good plan for outdoor play areas should have an area for every child to play regardless of their age group. However, the play area must be safe and free from hazards. Gradual challenges are also important to enable children to do a lot of physical movements such as jumping, climbing, running and sliding according to their own ability without frustration and to withdraw from the activity without being injured. Some ideas include:
(a) Cater for several levels of difficulty in each activity, such as steep, steeper and steepest;
(b) Cater for several levels of accomplishment in each activity, such as high, higher and highest;
(c) The entry and exit place should be at intermediate level (not so small and tall);
(d) The setting is arranged so the next level of challenge is apparent; and
(e) The challenges must focus on mastery of body movements in the various physical activities.
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